GPS in Lapaha, Hoi, Kologna

We had a busy day delivering furniture to the eastern end of Tongatapu.

LAPAHA GPS
We had 5 tables and 26 chairs for class 1 at Lapaha GPS to finish up furniture for the lower classes. We had delivered tables and chairs for 2 other classes earlier.

   

       Palmer, Principal Na'asipa Ngungutau, Thomsons   

We began by sitting at one of the tables with some of the class 1 students who would be using these tables and chairs. We love the bright colors of these furnishings.   

   

Principal Na'asipa Ngungutau promised a program with this delivery, and the children delivered!

First was a class 5 girl and her younger sister class 1 doing traditional Tongan dance. This brought BIG smiles to our faces. Elder Thomson tucked money into each of their hair (Tongan tradition) to show appreciation. I love the reds of the shells in the girl's kahoa (necklace). This would have taken several hours to string together. The dress is made of bark and painted by hand.

Other students did a sit down dance with hand motions, and of course singing with marvelous voices.

 Each class performed their own. I love how everyone was highlighted. The little kids did a simple song and did their usual giggles and squirms along with it. Loved it!

Oh how we love to deliver furniture to the schools. The GPS students are cute and are so appreciative and helpful with moving the furniture from truck to display to class. And they love to perform.


HOI GPS

Back: Teacher, PTA president, principal, Thomsons, Silongo Samani, Palmers

We stopped to visit Hoi GPS on the way home from Navutoka GPS a month ago. Principal Ika Tulimai Ngungutau showed us around the damaged buildings. One main building will be bulldozed and a new building constructed in its place. In the meantime the children will crowd in the remaining buildings. Principal said they only need a table and 5 chairs, so that is what we took. Once she saw the tables and chairs we brought, she asked if we could bring 2 more tables and chairs; more students are moving back to Hoi for school. We delivered these a couple days later. The children all sang, and 3 of the older girls danced.


This school is very poor. The Peace Corps is going to fix the bathroom, which we had asked about. UNICEF gave balls and hula hoops after Cyclone Gita so that need also has been filled. We told Principal to call us once the building is complete so we can see the new facility and to let us know if they need more desks when the building is done and if they have other needs in the meantime.




KOLOGNA GPS
Desks and chairs have been taken to Kologna GPS in past years by LDS Charities. This year they asked for filing cabinets and 6 teacher chairs. We received a shipment which contained both. We were able to take 4 filing cabinets and 6 teacher chairs to Kologna GPS.

We did not expect the children to sing for us. We were just taking chairs for the teachers. We were surprised. These children sang out with their hearts.When the Tongans sing, it sounds like a full choir, even these children. It was beautiful.

This ended our day's work. We always feel so happy on days we deliver to schools to help fill their needs. This was a very fun day. We had asked the Palmers to come with us. Elder Palmer was a principal at a primary school in Payson, Utah, and they thoroughly enjoyed their day with us.

We did not think there would be any kind of handover at Hoi or Kologna. We just gave each a few things, but the Tongans show their gratitude. They are very loving and love to show their appreciation.


My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.                                                                     President Thomas S. Monson